April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
HANCOCK
Diocesan youths and Ugandan orphans meet creatively
Though thousands of miles apart, children from St. Paul the
Their similarities can be seen in the art produced by both groups of children, part of a new exhibit entitled "Crossing Paths-Building Bridges, Young Artists a World Apart" at the Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts Gallery in
Children from both groups were asked to draw what makes them happy. The children from both Hancock and
"We saw many similarities as well as differences between the kids," said John Brunelli, a photographer who went to
Art therapy
The children at Holy Family Orphanage, which is run by the Little Sisters of St. Francis, are AIDS orphans, Mr. Brunelli said. In addition many of the children have survived malaria and tuberculosis.
According to the Holy Family Orphanage website, half of
The orphanage is home to 30 children and there is a waiting list. The children at the orphanage are given shoes, uniforms, beds, water and vocational training.
Prior to this project the Ugandan orphans had little exposure to art.
According to Kathy Meehan, project organizer, the Ugandan children were given coloring books to use before working on the art project. She said that crayons and markers are a luxury for the orphans and many wouldn't have known what to do with them.
Once they were familiar with drawing, doodling and coloring, the Ugandan orphans were given cloth panels to draw and embellish. "They did fantastic work," Mrs. Meehan said.
Self expression
Mr. Brunelli agreed. "These were children who didn't have access to art," he said. "Art was a new medium for them but you can't tell the difference. Art is a universal way of expressing one's self."
Mr. Brunelli and Mrs. Meehan's daughter Amy worked with the children in
Mrs. Meehan said she cut approximately 400 cloth squares for the project. The embellished fabric squares now make up six quilted panels that are the focus of the art exhibit.
Charlene Caramore, a parishioner of
"This was a work-intensive session," Mrs. Caramore said, "but the children were definitely having fun."
Kids helping kids
The children of
The children from St. Paul's and from the other churches in Binghamton that participated in the project sent letters and small gifts to the Ugandan children, Mr. Brunelli said.
Mrs. Caramore said she wasn't surprised by the children's generosity and interest. "The people of Hancock are very giving," she said. "That's what is so wonderful about our parish. That's the character of
Mr. Brunelli hopes this project can raise awareness about the plight of orphans in
* * *
Sister connects distant communities
A native of
Charlene Caramore, a parishioner of
"Children look up to her and are in awe of her," Mrs. Caramore said.
(08/07/08)
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